DATE=10/20/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDONESIA PRESIDENT L-ONLY
NUMBER=2-255280
BYLINE=GARY THOMAS
DATELINE=JAKARTA
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
VOICED AT:
/// Updates CR 2-255268, New slug, new violence in
intro, cuts 2nd graf after actuality. Eng Eds: cut
tape to conform to text. ///
INTRO: Indonesia has elected a prominent moderate
Muslim leader President Abdurrahman Wahid (of the
Nation Awakening Party P-K-B). But his victory over
populist candidate Megawati Sukarnoputri has sparked
deadly violence in the streets of Jakarta. A series of
explosions and clashes with police have left at least
one person dead and several others injured. V-O-A
Correspondent Gary Thomas reports from Jakarta, the
new president is calling for reconciliation.
TEXT: Abdurrahman Wahid, once considered a long shot
candidate, had a surprising win Wednesday when the
Peoples' Consultative Assembly chose him over presumed
frontrunner Megawati Sukarnoputri, by a convincing
margin of 373 to 313.
The Assembly made its choice after a political roller
coaster ride (confusing process, quickly changing)
that saw candidates dropping in and out, amid intense
political maneuvering.
Upon winning Mr. Wahid, also known as Gus Dur,
immediately reached out for reconciliation with his
popular rival, Ms. Megawati.
/// WAHID ACT W/INTERPRETER ///
I would like to submit my profound gratitude to
those who have made it possible for the
presidential election to proceed freely and
orderly. I am here with Ibu Megawati to
celebrate our victory and our democracy. Our
second independence since our founding
president, Sukarno, planted our flag upon our
soil. I have great appreciation and great
respect for Ibu Megawati. She must be respected
for her role in all this.
/// END ACT ///
The party led by Ms. Megawati, daughter of the late
president Sukarno, won the most seats in parliamentary
elections earlier this year. But she did not win a
majority and lacked the additional support needed in
the electoral assembly to gain the presidency.
President B-J Habibie, running as the candidate of the
ruling Golkar party, abruptly dropped out of the race
in the predawn hours Wednesday after the assembly --
in what amounted to a no-confidence vote -- rejected
his account of his stewardship. Golkar put up another
nominee, but suddenly withdrew his name and said it
would throw its support to someone else. Golkar has
the second-largest number of seats in the Assembly and
it is presumed that Golkar threw its support to Mr.
Wahid, whose party was in fourth place.
/// OPT ///Another Muslim party candidate entered the
race for a few hours, but dropped out just before the
balloting. /// END OPT ///
A vote will be taken on Thursday to select a Vice
President. That ballot assumes increased importance
because of Mr. Wahid's frail health. He suffered a
stroke and is nearly blind. (SIGNED)
NEB/GPT/JO
20-Oct-1999 10:58 AM EDT (20-Oct-1999 1458 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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